Life & Style - News agency Vector News Englishhttp://vectornews.eu/
ruLife & Style - News agency Vector News Englishhttp://vectornews.eu/yandexlogo.pnghttp://vectornews.eu/yandexsquarelogo.pngDataLife EngineGlee star's outrage over 'abused dog' on film sethttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/74134-glee-stars-outrage-over-abused-dog-on-film-set.html
A dog was whipped "into a frenzy" and thrown into an icy river in a locked cage for a scene in a film, a whistleblower has claimed.CultureMon, 19 Mar 2018 14:18:00 +0200A dog was whipped "into a frenzy" and thrown into an icy river in a locked cage for a scene in a film, a whistleblower has claimed. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has released a video purporting to show a German Shepherd in a cage being spun around by a crane before being thrown into a lake.The unnamed whistleblower claims the footage was taken on 28 November last year on the set of Crazy Alien, a Ning Hao film which is currently listed as being in post-production.Glee actor Matthew Morrison, who stars in the movie, said he has called the producers to "express his outrage" at the incident.Meanwhile, the whistleblower has called the incident the "one of the worst animal cruelty acts (I) have ever seen".The anonymous witness said the dog had been "tormented into a frenzy" to get him to bark loudly, before being locked in a small metal cage, then hoisted up by a crane. Image: Ning Hao&#x27;s film Crazy Alien is currently in post-production The whistleblower's account read: "The second the dog cage rose into the air, the dog stopped barking instantly as the cables were used to spin the cage out of control in circles before solidly landing 40ft away. The director took many takes and this was just awful to witness as the torment went on."The whistleblower added: "The next shot was at the river's edge where the dog was put back into his cage and tormented into a frenzy once again. This time … the cage … was hoisted 20 ft. and was flung while spinning out of control towards the river. … [T]he cage was completely submerged with the dog in it landing in a 10 mph current."After 5-8 seconds, the director yelled out 'cut' . … A final decision was made by the director to shoot a second identical take. I could not believe my eyes."PETA said this continued for two hours without the animal having a break. A PETA statement read: "Adding insult to injury, Crazy Alien is already using special effects (hence the word "Alien" in the title), so there's no excuse for not using computer-generated imagery for the dog scene, as well."Why was this animal subjected to fear and suffering? Because when it comes to entertainment, animals are viewed as nothing more than props, and there are no laws protecting them on film sets in China."The organisation has called for the scene to be cut, and for Morrison to donate his salary to charity. Image: Matthew Morrison, who stars in the film, said he called the producers to express outrage Morrison tweeted: "I've just been made aware and seen a video from the set of a film I worked on in China. My heart is broken to see any animal treated this way. Had I been on set or known about this, I would have made all efforts to stop this. I've called the producers to express my outrage."A spokesman for Dirty Monkey Studios said: "We feel sorry that we didn't do our best to avoid this. We treat all the cast and crew including animals with utmost respect for their contribution of amazing performance to the project."According to E, the Crazy Alien Production Company explained that the cage was meant to move over the water but not be submerged, and it fell because of a "miscalculation". More from World LIVE: 'We have Brexit transition deal', says Barnier LIVE: Car Russian spy's daughter Yulia Skripal used taken away British woman Anna Campbell killed fighting with Kurdish militia in Syria Cirque du Soleil performer Yann Arnaud falls to his death Vladimir Putin wins fourth term as Russian President with 77% of vote 'Nonsense' that Russia behind spy poisoning, says Vladimir Putin The statement added: "Then, before fully diagnosing the mechanical problem, a second take was requested."This was a mistake. The dog's welfare should have been paramount, and any potential risks should have been diagnosed and eliminated before the dog was again called upon to undertake the scene. We sincerely apologise...despite mistakes in filming, the dog was well cared for on set."Cirque du Soleil performer falls to his deathhttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/74072-cirque-du-soleil-performer-falls-to-his-death.html
A Cirque du Soleil performer has died after falling onto a stage at a weekend show in Florida.CultureMon, 19 Mar 2018 01:48:00 +0200A Cirque du Soleil performer has died after falling onto a stage at a weekend show in Florida. Yann Arnaud, 38, had been performing in Cirque shows for 15 years and was one of the company's most experienced entertainers, according to president and chief executive Daniel Lamarre. Mr Arnaud, who was French and married with two young children, fell during an aerial straps routine during Saturday's performance of the show VOLTA.According to local media reports, Mr Arnaud appeared to lose his grip on a strap before he fell, bringing the show to a halt. Condolences to friends and family of former Le Reve performer @yann_arnaud who experienced a fatal fall during a performance of Cirque du Soliel VOLTA in Tampa last evening. pic.twitter.com/O4ZMCvAUb0— Sam Novak (@sammasseur) March 18, 2018 He died at a nearby hospital.Speaking from Tampa, having travelled to be with the show's cast, Mr Lamarre said: "We were very surprised, considering his experience, that something like that happened."I cannot describe to you how the people feel."It's terrible." Image: Yann Arnaud with his wife Julian Martinez, who witnessed the accident, told local TV station WFLA: "It was awful. "You heard all the cries of the audience."There were children there and they were freaking out."Mr Lamarre said the routine was seen as relatively safe but Mr Arnaud's death is the third involving a Cirque performer in the company's 34 years.[media=https://www.instagram.com/p/BgZzawoASiI/] In 2013, French acrobat Sarah Guillot-Guyard, 31, died after falling around 15 metres as she was being hoisted up toward the roof of the stage during a Las Vegas show.In 2009, Ukrainian acrobat Olexandre Jourov, 24, died from a fall during a rehearsal in Montreal.Speaking on Mr Arnaud's death, the company said in a statement: "We are offering our full and transparent collaboration to the authorities as they look into the circumstances of this accident." More from US Boy shoots sister in argument over video game controller Two cyclists injured in fourth Texas explosion Dog 'locked in cage and plunged into river' on film set Donald Trump wages tweet war over Russia investigation Tinder takes swipe at Bumble for alleged patent infringement Mark Zuckerberg asked to give evidence by Commons committee over data sharing The last two shows in Tampa, planned for Sunday, were cancelled.The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating Mr Arnaud's death.Ant McPartlin arrested after 'drink drive crash'http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/74069-ant-mcpartlin-arrested-after-drink-drive-crash.html
TV star Ant McPartlin has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after a crash in southwest London.CultureMon, 19 Mar 2018 01:05:00 +0200TV star Ant McPartlin has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after a crash in southwest London. The 42-year-old is said to have been involved in a collision with two other cars while driving his black Mini in Richmond just before 4pm on Sunday. A child passenger in one of the cars - a green Mini - was taken to hospital as a precaution. She is believed to be a three-year-old girl.Others involved were treated at the scene for minor injuries.McPartlin failed a roadside breath test and was arrested.He had been with his mother at the time, according to The Sun. Pictures of the scene show the front driver's side of his car smashed in.A Met Police spokesman said a 42-year-old man had been taken to a south London police station for questioning and enquiries continue.McPartlin has since been released and reportedly arrived home at 2.40am this morning. More from Ant McPartlin Simon Cowell praises Ant McPartlin's 'courage' during rehab The Saturday Night Takeaway presenter entered rehab last year after struggling with an addiction to painkillers.In January, he announced he was divorcing wife and Strictly Come Dancing make-up boss Lisa Armstrong after 11 years of marriage. news.sky.comMonty Python star says #MeToo has 'got silly'http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73896-monty-python-star-says-metoo-has-got-silly.html
Hollywood director and Monty Python member Terry Gilliam has hit out at the #MeToo movement, arguing that while some women have suffered sexual harassment, others have used perpetrators to further their careers.CultureSat, 17 Mar 2018 00:23:00 +0200Hollywood director and Monty Python member Terry Gilliam has hit out at the #MeToo movement, arguing that while some women have suffered sexual harassment, others have used perpetrators to further their careers. The 77-year-old branded film producer Harvey Weinstein "a monster" following allegations of misconduct against him but said the movement in Hollywood had morphed into "mob rule". Speaking about the disgraced filmmaker, Gilliam said there were "plenty of monsters out there... there are other people (still) behaving like Harvey" but said he was exposed after he "made so many enemies".He said the response in the aftermath of the Weinstein allegations has been "simplistic". Image: Weinstein has denied all the allegations against him "People are frightened to say things, to think things," he said. "It is a world of victims. I think some people did very well out of meeting with Harvey and others didn't."The ones who did knew what they were doing. These are adults, we are talking about adults with a lot of ambition."Harvey opened the door for a few people; a night with Harvey - that's the price you pay... some people paid the price, other people suffered from it."The American-born British director behind the films Brazil and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas said things had "got silly".Gilliam said: "People are being described in ridiculous terms as if there is no real humanity left anymore."I feel sorry for someone like Matt Damon, who is a decent human being. He came out and said all men are not rapists, and he got beaten to death. Come on, this is crazy." He said people had now become "frightened to say what they really think"."I know enough girls who were in Harvey's suites who were not victims and walked out," he said. "It's crazy how simplified things are becoming. There is no intelligence anymore and people seem to be frightened to say what they really think."Now, I am told even by my wife to keep my head a bit low. It's like when mob rule takes over, the mob is out there they are carrying their torches and they are going to burn down Frankenstein's castle." Image: Gilliam says it is &#x27;incredible&#x27; that Donald Trump is US President Gilliam added that the abuse of power had "always happened" and said he thought Hollywood would not change."Power always takes advantage, it always does and always has. It's how you deal with power - people have got to take responsibility for their own selves," the filmmaker said.He said human beings were "physical creatures" and added: "There is touching and there is grabbing, that is the problem."I find it funny that (while this is going on) a self-confessed p****-grabber is the President of the US and is just walking around. I find it incredible." More from MeToo Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood faces backlash over #MeToo think piece Donald Trump apologised in 2016 for his "grab them by the p****" comment made in a 2005 recording, dismissing it as "locker-room talk".Weinstein, 65, denies all allegations of non-consensual sex. news.sky.comRihanna: Snapchat 'joked' about domestic violencehttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73726-rihanna-snapchat-joked-about-domestic-violence.html
Rihanna has slammed Snapchat for "intentionally" shaming victims of domestic violence.CultureThu, 15 Mar 2018 19:44:00 +0200Rihanna has slammed Snapchat for "intentionally" shaming victims of domestic violence. The social media company featured a post asking users if they would rather "slap Rihanna" or "punch Chris Brown". Shares in Snap, the owner of Snapchat, fell nearly 4% after the singer's criticism - which comes after comments last month by Kylie Jenner about the app also put a dent in the stock.Rihanna was assaulted by singer Chris Brown in his car in 2009 while they were dating. He was convicted over the attack. Is it just me, or is this ad that popped up on my Snapchat extremely tone deaf? Like what were they thinking with this? pic.twitter.com/7kP9RHcgNG— Royce Mann (@TheRoyceMann) March 12, 2018 In a message posted in an Instagram story, she wrote: "Now SNAPCHAT I know you already know you ain't my fav app out there!"But I'm just trying to figure out what the point was with this mess! I'd love to call it ignorance, but I know you ain't that dumb!"You spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring shame to DV (domestic violence) victims and made a joke of it!! "This isn't about my personal feelings, cause I don't have much of them... but all the women, children and men that have been victims of DV in the past and especially the ones who haven't made it out yet... you let us down! Shame on you. Throw the whole app-oligy away." Image: Rihanna shared the message aimed at Snapchat with her 61m followers on Instagram. Credit: Instagram/Rihanna Snapchat has apologised and removed the content, which was an advert for a game.The company says the ad was reviewed and approved in error, and confirmed it violated their advertising guidelines. More from Entertainment Dog 'locked in cage and plunged into river' on film set Ant McPartlin arrested after 'drink drive crash' Cirque du Soleil performer Yann Arnaud falls to his death Monty Python star Terry Gilliam says #MeToo movement has 'got silly' Danny Boyle confirms he is working on script for Bond 25 Bullseye star Jim Bowen dies aged 80 "We immediately removed the ad last weekend, once we became aware. We are sorry that this happened," a spokesperson for Snapchat said.In February, shares in Snap Inc plummeted after Kylie Jenner told her 24.5 million Twitter followers that she no longer uses the messaging app.Danny Boyle confirms he is writing Bond 25http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73702-danny-boyle-confirms-he-is-writing-bond-25.html
The director of Trainspotting has confirmed he is writing the script for the next James Bond film.CultureThu, 15 Mar 2018 16:26:00 +0200The director of Trainspotting has confirmed he is writing the script for the next James Bond film. Danny Boyle ended months of speculation on the red carpet in New York, when he said he is working on the next in the MI6 spy franchise. He had long been rumoured to be in the running to write and direct what will be the 25th film. Image: The 25th Bond film is expected to be Daniel Craig&#x27;s final reprisal of the role Speaking on the red carpet for his new US TV series Trust, he said: "Well, we're working on - we're working on a script. John Hodge and I are working on a - the guy who wrote 'Trainspotting,' the 'Trainspotting' films."We're working on a script at the moment, and we'll see what happens. But it's a great idea, so hopefully it will work, you know? "I'd love to be able to tell you more, but I'm not going to." More from james bond 'You Only Live Twice' Bond girl Karin Dor dies Could Kingsman star Taron Egerton be the next James Bond? Daniel Craig confirms he will play James Bond again in new 007 film Bond 25 Daniel Craig undecided on return in next James Bond film James Bond is dead, long live the Kingsman! James Bond set to return - but who will play him? He has also hinted at a possible timeline for the film, revealing he is due to start shooting a Richard Curtis script in six to seven weeks time with the Bond film starting at the end of the year.The sequel to Spectre is expected to be the last Bond film Daniel Craig will star in. news.sky.comJim Bowen and I 'just blended' - Bullseye commentatorhttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73577-jim-bowen-and-i-just-blended-bullseye-commentator.html
Tony Green provided voiceovers and commentary on TV quiz show Bullseye - hosted by comedian Jim Bowen who has died at the age of 80. Here, Tony pays tribute to the man he "admired" so much.CultureWed, 14 Mar 2018 22:05:00 +0200Tony Green provided voiceovers and commentary on TV quiz show Bullseye - hosted by comedian Jim Bowen who has died at the age of 80. Here, Tony pays tribute to the man he "admired" so much. I never knew about Jim Bowen until I was invited on the show. Jim and I just clicked straight away.Bullseye was made for Jim, but he could not throw a dart.I was a county player and helped Jim with the scoring. We never had a naughty moment at all. Jim was the star and he's still a star in my eyes. Video: Bowen in action on Bullseye He had an air about him - he could help anyone who was having a bit of trouble throwing darts. He was just a kind and gentle man.In every walk of life I think you try to help people, and Bullseye achieved that. It was so refreshing and Jim was so gentle.With the players, we used to have a laugh and Jim would say: "Come on, you can do it," and they did do it.He could see when they were getting dodgy or shaky and he would help them out. Image: Bullseye was a popular darts-based game show He was a lovely man, a lovely man.I admired him so much. Jim and I, we just blended.We supported each other. I fell for him straight away and I knew I was into something good. And I wanted to keep it. To the viewers, I think it felt so warm.The show was the same. He didn't show himself up on any occasion. Image: Jim Bowen pictured in 2007 After the show we used to go in a little room, sit down and say: "How did it go?" More from Opinion 'My two beautiful sons died from ecstasy overdoses - we need to regulate drugs' 'After Punish A Muslim letter, I urge anti-Islam campaigners to pause' 'Forget the battle of the sexes - to achieve gender equality women need men' Wanted: More budding female scientists to tackle gender gap Nephew of Grenfell Tower victim returns to uncle's flat for first time since fire Line 18: The life of the rich and famous in Cheshire We'd say: "We can do this, Jim, we can do that, Jim," and he listened when most stars don't.That was the gift, and I think it reached the viewers and the players. news.sky.comIrish music giant Liam O'Flynn dies aged 72http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73558-irish-music-giant-liam-oflynn-dies-aged-72.html
Irish music giant Liam O'Flynn, who helped form influential folk band Planxty, has died aged 72.CultureWed, 14 Mar 2018 17:44:00 +0200Irish music giant Liam O'Flynn, who helped form influential folk band Planxty, has died aged 72. The uilleann piper, who collaborated with Kate Bush and Sinead O'Connor, had been suffering from a long illness. O'Flynn formed Planxty in 1972 along with Christy Moore, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny, all of which were multi-instrumentalists.Planxty had several members come and go over the years and broke up once in 1975, then again in 1983.O'Flynn joined the original three members for a reunion in October 2003 and they played their last gig in 2005.The master piper performed with Bush on her 1985 album Hounds of Love, and played on O'Connor's track My Special Child in 1991.O'Flynn also played with Enya, Dire Straits frontman Mark Knoplfler and The Everly brothers. Image: The musician collaborated with Enya and Sinead O&#x27;Connor In 1980, he worked with poet Seamus Heaney and composer Shaun Davey on The Brendan Voyage, which tells the story of an epic sea voyage to the backdrop of orchestral music.He also released five solo albums. O'Flynn played the uilleann pipes, which are characterised as the Irish bagpipes.Irish musician Phil Coulter was among the first to pay tribute to O'Flynn, a native of Co Kildare to the west of Dublin.Coulter tweeted: "Devastated to hear that the great Liam Og O Flynn has passed away. He was a king among pipers and a prince among men. A complete musician and a gentle soul."The Arts Council of Ireland described Mr O'Flynn as a "virtuoso piper of international renown who brought uilleann piping and Irish music to the world stage".Singer Brian Kennedy tweeted: "I was only thinking about the great Liam O'Flynn about 30 mins ago when I was driving near Kilcullen. I knew he'd been ill for some time. We met many times over the years. What a gorgeous man and musician."Rest in Pipes! BK x". More from UK LIVE: 'We have Brexit transition deal', says Barnier Foster parents of Parsons Green Tube bomber: He was a 'good boy' LIVE: Town cut off as snow blankets Britain Weather warning: Town cut off and schools closed after heavy snow LIVE: Boris Johnson accuses Russia of 'hiding needle of truth in a haystack of lies' Ant McPartlin arrested after 'drink drive crash' Musician and songwriter Eleanor McEvoy, chairwoman of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), said it was a sad day for Irish music.She tweeted: "Just landed in Amsterdam to hear the dreadfully sad news that Liam O'Flynn, legendary Irish piper has passed away. Sad day for Irish music RIP Liam."Bullseye star Jim Bowen dies aged 80http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73518-bullseye-star-jim-bowen-dies-aged-80.html
Jim Bowen, who presented the cult darts-based game show Bullseye, has died at the age of 80.CultureWed, 14 Mar 2018 15:09:00 +0200Jim Bowen, who presented the cult darts-based game show Bullseye, has died at the age of 80. Family friend John Plews told Sky News that Bowen died on Wednesday morning with his wife Phyllis by his side."He passed away very peacefully, she was with him. We are all shedding a tear. It wasn't completely unexpected, he's been ill for several weeks in hospital," he said.Bowen achieved cult status in Bullseye, a game show where contestants threw darts and answered basic general knowledge questions to progress. We are devastated to announce that our friend & Bullseye presenter Jim Bowen has passed away. Our love and thoughts go out to Jim's family. Thank you for all the memories Jim, you will be greatly missed. Andrew & Laura Wood x pic.twitter.com/2ONzDlzptF— Bullseye (@BullseyeTVshow) March 14, 2018 His catchphrases, such as "super, smashing, great", "let's see what you could have won" and "you can't beat a bit of Bully" made him a household name.The show, which ran between 1981 and 1995, was watched by over 12 million viewers, and was especially popular among students. Image: Jim Bowen shares a joke with fellow comedy greats, Roy &#x27;Chubby&#x27; Brown and Frank Carson at the funeral of another comedian, Bernard Manning, in 2007 It attracted a peak audience of almost 19 million viewers on Boxing Day 1989.Born Peter Williams in Heswall on the Wirral in 1937, Bowen was adopted as a baby by Annie and Joe Whittaker from Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, taking the name James Whittaker.At 15 years old, having left Accrington Grammar School, he worked as a dustman in Blackburn for a short time and completed national service before becoming a PE teacher. At training college, he met his future wife Phyllis and they married in 1959. They later had two children, Susan and Peter. Image: Jim Bowen was honorary president of Morecambe FC and is pictured with the FA Cup before a tie against Ipswich in 2001 He rose to become a deputy headmaster but a stint in amateur dramatics gave him a thirst for being on stage.In the 1960s he switched careers and took up stand-up comedy under the stage name Jim Bowen and soon ended up performing on television.As well as Bullseye, Bowen also had a number of TV acting roles, including in Last Of The Summer Wine, Muck And Brass, Jonathan Creek, The Grimleys, and the second series of Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights.He also presented a morning show on BBC Radio Lancashire from 1999 to 2003.In 2011, Bowen, also known as Alf in the Tetley Bitter adverts, said he had learned to "appreciate all the things in life" after suffering two strokes.In 2005, 2007 and 2008, he appeared at The Edinburgh Festival, with a show featuring tales about his time in show business and Bullseye stories. More from UK LIVE: Car Russian spy's daughter Yulia Skripal used taken away LIVE: 'We have Brexit transition deal', says Barnier LIVE: Town cut off as snow blankets Britain Foster parents of Parsons Green Tube bomber: He was a 'good boy' Ice warning issued as cold snap closes hundreds of schools Navratilova slams BBC for paying her 10 times less than McEnroe for Wimbledon role Actor Will Mellor has paid tribute, tweeting: "Sad news about Jim Bowen! Ya can't beat a bit o bully!! #RIP." Sad news about Jim Bowen! Ya can’t beat a bit o bully!!#RIP pic.twitter.com/paVWKiqv4z— Will Mellor (@Mellor76) March 14, 2018Even 'Queen Elizabeth' struggles for equal payhttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73443-even-queen-elizabeth-struggles-for-equal-pay.html
It seems that even the royal family is afflicted by the gender pay gap - or their on-screen equivalents, at least.CultureWed, 14 Mar 2018 02:46:00 +0200It seems that even the royal family is afflicted by the gender pay gap - or their on-screen equivalents, at least. The creators of Netflix production The Crown have admitted that Claire Foy, who played Queen Elizabeth II, was paid less than Matt Smith, who played her husband the Duke of Edinburgh. Foy, 33, may have won a Golden Globe for her performance in the popular series but Smith's previous role in Doctor Who had put him at the top of the pay scale, the show's producers said.Foy, on the other hand, had only appeared in smaller British dramas before winning The Crown's main role.But she quickly became a star after she was cast as the young queen, earning a best actress Golden Globe for the first season and a Golden Globe nomination in the same category for the second season.She also won an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama for the first season. Image: Claire Foy won a number of awards for her portrayal of the Queen Smith, 35, was not nominated for a major award for his role.Suzanne Mackie and Andy Harries told Variety, however, that the pay imbalance would change in the third series, when Olivia Colman will replace Foy as the Queen. Mackie said: "Going forward, no one gets paid more than the Queen."According to a Variety estimate, Foy was paid $40,000 (ˆ28,000) per episode but it is not clear what Smith was paid.The show's budget is upward of $7m per episode.Harries said 120 costumes were created for the queen in the second season alone, adding: "We put that money (the episode budget) on the screen." More from Claire Foy The Crown's Claire Foy cast in Dragon Tattoo sequel Actress Michelle Williams was revealed earlier this year to have been paid a fraction of what her co-star earned for re-shooting scenes in All The Money In The World after Kevin Spacey was replaced by Christopher Plummer.Mark Wahlberg made $1.5m (ˆ1.1m) but donated it to Time's Up, following news that Williams had received less than $1000 (ˆ720) for her work. news.sky.comZayn Malik and Gigi Hadid confirm break-uphttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73415-zayn-malik-and-gigi-hadid-confirm-break-up.html
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid have broken up after two years together.CultureTue, 13 Mar 2018 22:29:00 +0200Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid have broken up after two years together. The former One Direction member started dating the American model shortly after his split with Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards. Both Malik and Hadid confirmed the news in separate statements released on social media. pic.twitter.com/4st0iU9zHg— zayn (@zaynmalik) March 13, 2018 Malik, 25, posted: "Gigi and I had an incredibly meaningful, loving and fun relationship and I have a huge amount of respect and adoration for Gigi as a woman and a friend."She has such an incredible soul."I'm grateful to all of our fans for respecting this difficult decision and our privacy at this time, we wish this news could have come from us first."We love you all." Image: They had been together since November 2015 Hadid wrote: "Break-up statements often seem impersonal because there is really no way to put into words what two people experience together over a few years...not only in the relationship but in life in general. "I'm forever grateful for the love, time and life lessons that Z and I shared."I want nothing but the best for him and will continue to support him as a friend that I have immense respect and love for."As for the future, whatever's meant to be will always be." pic.twitter.com/dEDHlyH8P3— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) March 13, 2018 In January, Hadid posted a message on her Instagram account for Malik's birthday, reading: "Love this man more than I could ever put into words, & am inspired by his drive to be and do better everyday &#10024; cheers to YOUR YEAR my @zayn - happiest happiest birthday & 25th year of life !! I'm proud to be by your side x."They posed together on the front of Vogue Magazine for the August 2017 edition. More from Entertainment Ant McPartlin arrested after 'drink drive crash' Cirque du Soleil performer Yann Arnaud falls to his death Monty Python star Terry Gilliam says #MeToo movement has 'got silly' Danny Boyle confirms he is working on script for Bond 25 Rihanna attacks Snapchat over advert that 'joked' about domestic violence Bullseye star Jim Bowen dies aged 80 The pair were forced to confirm the break-up after reports appeared in The Sun.Eagle-eyed social media fans also noticed Malik had unfollowed the Victoria's Secret model and her mother on Instagram.Mara: I grew up thinking Mary Magdalene was a prostitutehttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73382-mara-i-grew-up-thinking-mary-magdalene-was-a-prostitute.html
The star of a controversial new take on the life of apostle Mary Magdalene says she believes "this is an important story to tell".CultureTue, 13 Mar 2018 14:13:00 +0200By Duarte Garrido, Arts and Entertainment Reporter The star of a controversial new take on the life of apostle Mary Magdalene says she believes "this is an important story to tell". "It was a huge undertaking. A scary thing to take on," says Rooney Mara, who plays the titular character.The actress co-stars with her partner Joaquin Phoenix in director Garth Davis' new take on the story of Christ, this time told through the eyes of his most faithful apostle."In the beginning I was a little bit reticent about taking it on, because I wasn't really sure I wanted to make a film about religion," she says."I went to Catholic school and it just seemed daunting to me. But the more I spoke with Garth and the more I read and the more I learned, I knew it was an important story to tell and something I wanted to be a part of.":: Joaquin Phoenix on spirituality, violence and feminism Image: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara co-star as Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene, or Mary of Magdala, has been Catholicism's most misrepresented character, after Pope Gregory the Great declared she was a prostitute without any historical backing."I didn't know anything about her before. I grew up thinking she was a prostitute, like many other people," says Mara."I thought it was about time to have a female perspective from this story. I thought it was an interesting way in - we had never seen it through a woman's eyes before."For Davis, who was nominated for an Oscar last year for his debut movie Lion, this is not a movie about religion."I don't practice religion. I am a spiritual person," he says."When I read the script it just made sense to me. I love themes of love and forgiveness. Image: Pope Gregory the Great first painted the picture of Mary as a prostitute "I loved the inclusiveness of Mary and telling the story through her point of view. I felt like this was a great opportunity and it just struck something in me."The film follows Mary's journey towards Christ, as well as her tumultuous acceptance process among his male apostles.One of them, Peter, is played by 12 Years A Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays this historical character with more humanity than ever before. "I thought Peter was psychologically complex," he tells Sky News."Making it part of the story helped illuminate moments in the Bible that always seemed a little removed, where I couldn't fill in all the blanks. Video: Is it dangerous to shoot a religious movie? "And actually taking a more human approach, and psychologically complex approach, and placing it on the contemporary understanding of the dynamics and relationships between men and women, human respect, equality and justice, was actually pretty revelatory."The same happened with the largely misunderstood character of Judas, played by Tahar Rahim."I was surprised to read a different Judas," Rahim says."He is emotionally complex. He is someone who has an amount of faith in Jesus which is unshakeable. He believes in him like no one else, and he betrays him for a reason: an excess of faith."There are dangers associated with any religious movie. Not just the fear of ostracising different faiths, you also risk defying old beliefs. Image: Mara says it was daunting to take on such an important role However, Ejiofor says he doesn't see religion as a theme to avoid, but something which Western society should accept and approach differently."There's a lot of talk at the moment about secular societies. And I don't really believe there was ever such a thing as a secular society, not really," he says."And I think we're so steeped in religion in terms of our psychology, philosophy, social interaction, justice and government and gender dynamics, that everything is based on religious terms and religious ideas."We judge the days of the week over how many days since the birth of Christ. We are surrounded by religion in the West."This believe that we are slightly separate from it or that it's a 'ye olde' stuff is just not true. More from Entertainment Ant McPartlin arrested after 'drink drive crash' Monty Python star Terry Gilliam says #MeToo movement has 'got silly' Danny Boyle confirms he is working on script for Bond 25 Rihanna attacks Snapchat over advert that 'joked' about domestic violence Bullseye star Jim Bowen dies aged 80 Jim Bowen and I 'just blended' - Bullseye commentator Tony Green "So I felt like actually exploring these stories, dealing with religion, spirituality, in a forthright way. It feels exactly right to me.":: Mary Magdalene opens in UK cinemas 16 MarchSelma Blair: Cameron Diaz is NOT retiring!http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73265-selma-blair-cameron-diaz-is-not-retiring.html
Selma Blair has rapidly backtracked after suggesting that her former co-star Cameron Diaz is retiring from acting.CultureTue, 13 Mar 2018 00:14:00 +0200Selma Blair has rapidly backtracked after suggesting that her former co-star Cameron Diaz is retiring from acting. In an interview, the actress said her friend Diaz was quitting the profession, triggering a flood of news stories. She has since posted a message on Twitter explaining it was all a joke and quipped that she was now retiring from her position as Diaz's spokeswoman.She wrote: "BREAKING NEWS."Guys please, I was making a joke in an interview. CAMERON DIAZ is NOT retiring from ANYTHING."And for more breaking news: I am NOW retiring from being Cameron Diaz's spokesperson." Blair and Diaz co-starred in The Sweetest Thing in 2002. ??????? BREAKING NEWS ???. Guys please, I was making a joke in an interview. CAMERON DIAZ is NOT retiring from ANYTHING. And for more breaking news: I am NOW retiring from being Cameron Diaz’s spokesperson. ?— Selma Blair (@SelmaBlair) March 12, 2018 Blair said on Instagram: "I have had some inquiries related to an interview I did."In response to if the girls were gonna do a #sweetesthing part deux. I jokingly said #camerondiaz was retired."But I did brag about having lunch with her. Who wouldn't?"Diaz, 45, last appeared on the big screen in the remake of Annie in 2014. news.sky.comKen Dodd was 'life-enhancing and brilliant' - tributes paid to the comedianhttp://vectornews.eu/news/lifestyle/73199-ken-dodd-was-life-enhancing-and-brilliant-tributes-paid-to-the-comedian.html
Sir Ken Dodd's wife and his celebrity fans pay tribute to the "inspirational" comedy legend.Life & StyleMon, 12 Mar 2018 17:52:03 +0200Sir Ken's career spanned more than 60 years "Farewell to my fellow Liverpudlian, the tattyfilarious Ken Dodd," tweeted Sir Paul McCartney. Skip Twitter post by @PaulMcCartney Paul on Ken Dodd... pic.twitter.com/ytd8SyRtip— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) March 12, 2018 Report End of Twitter post by @PaulMcCartney His was one of many tributes that have been paid to the legendary comedian, who has died at the age of 90.Lady Anne, Dodd's partner of 40 years - who he married on Friday - said the world had lost "a most life-enhancing, brilliant, creative comedian".She said he "lived to perfect his art and entertain" his fans, and "just wanted to make people happy". Media playback is unsupported on your device Lady Anne pays tribute to her late husband, comedian Sir Ken Dodd Famous fans and friends also lined up to share their thoughts and anecdotes. David Walliams said that "comedy flowed through him like water". Skip Twitter post by @davidwalliams A face made for comedy. #SirKenDodd pic.twitter.com/810HOdaqN3— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) March 12, 2018 Report End of Twitter post by @davidwalliams Actress and presenter Claire Sweeney, who was a support act for Dodd in theatres when she was a teenage singer, told the BBC: "He was such an inspiration. Ken started my career off when I was just 14."She added: "The most precious thing you can give someone is advice and time. And he spans generations." Tattyfilarious: 17 of Ken Dodd's best gags Tickling sticks and tears for Doddy Comedy legend Sir Ken Dodd dies, aged 90 The TV personality said Sir Ken recently offered to give advice and help to her three-year-old son."He told me: 'If he's got funny bones, send him to me - I'll tell him everything he needs to know.' Sweeney starred in West End musical Chicago "At his 90th birthday party in November, his brain was so sharp - it was such a lovely tribute to him. What a send-off in a way!"He didn't need TV to get exposure, he used to fill out stages. He's never been seen as uncool or out of fashion."Sweeney added that his wife Anne was a huge support to him."When I was 14, we were performing at the Villa Marina in the Isle of Man - Anne would take notes of the jokes he'd made at the side of the stage. Behind every successful man is a strong woman. "She was always there, she's a wonderful lady." 'Sir Ken was the funniest and the best' BBC radio sports presenter Garry Richardson was a huge fan of Sir Ken and got to know him while making a documentary, which was broadcast last November.I first saw Sir Ken Dodd perform in Blackpool in 1967 when I was 10 years old. I didn't understand all his jokes, but that's where my fascination began. Quite simply, Ken Dodd loved to make people laugh, and - in my opinion - he did it better than anyone else. My documentary on Sir Ken was broadcast just a few days before his 90th birthday. The week before the recording, I went to see him at one of his shows.The duration of each performance is legendary. On this particular night, he came on stage at seven o'clock and finished shortly after midnight. He was brilliant, and got a standing ovation from 1,700 people.I went backstage to meet him to confirm our arrangements for the interview. I was very conscious that he still had to travel over 200 miles home, but incredibly he was keen to tell me more jokes.It was just me and him in the dressing room. Minutes earlier, he had received a standing ovation. Now, he had an audience of one. I asked him in our interview why he had told me more jokes and he simply said: "I love to make people laugh, and you were my audience."I asked Sir Ken Dodd at the end of our interview how he would like to be remembered, and he simply said: "If you want my epitaph - 'He tried and did his best.'"Having watched him perform for over 50 years, I can say I thought he was the best. Sir Ken enjoyed a varied career Fellow Liverpudlian comic Tom O'Connor told the BBC: "A great loss to entertainment. I feel sorry for any up-and-coming comedian who'll never have a chance of seeing his brilliance at work."John Bishop, another Liverpool comedian, wrote on Instagram: "True comedy legend. RIP Sir Ken Dodd." Obituary: Ken Dodd Sir Ken's career in pictures 'Don't call me eccentric' BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker was also a big fan, commenting: "Growing up I used to love it when Ken Dodd came on the telly. He was always mad and chaotic but he guaranteed a laugh. Sir Ken presented an award at the National Television Awards in January "There were so many strings to his bow. Comedian, ventriloquist and - amazingly - in the 1960s his single Tears was the third highest-selling song in the UK. It was only outsold by two tunes from The Beatles!"A cameraman friend tells a story about doing an interview with Ken many years ago. At the end, Mr Dodd put something in his top pocket and tapped it saying 'Thanks for that, have a drink on me'. It was a tea bag!"Great British Bake Off presenter Sandi Toksvig said of Sir Ken: "Best dinner companion I ever sat next to." Skip Twitter post by @sanditoksvig #RIPKenDodd Best dinner companion I ever sat next to. Don't think I said a word. Just laughed and laughed and tried not to drown in my soup. Thank you for the genius x— Sandi Toksvig (@sanditoksvig) March 12, 2018 Report End of Twitter post by @sanditoksvig Comedian Russ Abbot described Sir Ken as "an icon, a one-off and a true professor of comedy."One of the greatest. How tickled I am to have known him."Poet and comedian Pam Ayres tweeted: "Thank you, Ken Dodd. One of my happiest memories is of taking my mum to see him in the New Theatre, Oxford, and seeing her laugh as I had never seen her laugh in my life."DJ Tony Blackburn wrote: "So sorry to hear that Sir Ken Dodd has died... I went to see his shows and met him several times and found him to be a very lovely man. Thanks for all the laughs Ken, you made me, and a lot of people laugh for many years. RIP."Presenter Carol Voderman said: "I won first prize in the Prestatyn Carnival fancy dress competition wearing my home made Diddy Man costume. I was lucky enough in later life to meet him many times and to split my sides laughing for hours on end listening to him. "His energy and his joy for life and people was inspiring. Happiness, Happiness. the greatest gift that I possess…. wise words, Sir Kenneth…. May your tickling stick be ever tattifalarious and may the Jam Butties be plentiful in heaven." Sir Ken was honoured with a knighthood last year Annie Wallace, who plays Sally in Hollyoaks, called Sir Ken a "true son of beautiful Liverpool".She tweeted: "So sad to hear of Ken Dodd's death. A fine entertainer and true son of beautiful Liverpool, never to be forgotten. Tattifilarious!"A book of condolence has been opened at Liverpool Town Hall for people to pay their respects to the entertainer.Lord Mayor, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: "Liverpool has lost one of its greatest sons. "Ken was a phenomenal entertainer and I was proud to have called him my friend. He was a wonderful ambassador for the city, a tireless fundraiser for charities, and quite simply one of the nation's greatest comics. He will be sadly missed."The flags at the Town Hall - along with some of the city's other buildings - are set to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.Radio 2 is re-broadcasting a 2013 tribute documentary to Sir Ken presented by Liza Tarbuck on Wednesday evening at 11pm, replacing The Old Grey Whistle Test 40. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. Ken Dodd ComedyBeyonce and Jay-Z announce joint tourhttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73214-beyonce-and-jay-z-announce-joint-tour.html
Beyonce and Jay-Z have announced they will be touring together once again, with their first ever joint shows in the UK.CultureMon, 12 Mar 2018 16:51:00 +0200Beyonce and Jay-Z have announced they will be touring together once again, with their first ever joint shows in the UK. On The Run II (OTR II) will mark 10 years since the power couple got married, and comes four years after their first On The Run Tour.The announcement was made on Monday in a video posted on Beyonce's Instagram page. The gigs will kick off in the UK, with the first show taking place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 6 June. They will then head to Hampden Park in Glasgow on 9 June, the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on 13 June, and the London Stadium on 15 June. More from Beyonce How many times can Beyonce wax sculptures get it wrong? Beyonce shares first photo of twins as she confirms their names Have Beyonce and Jay-Z revealed the names of their twins? Jay Z appears to address Beyonce cheating allegations on new album 4:44 Beyonce 'gives birth to twins', according to reports Jay Z and Beyonce now a 'billionaire couple' [media=https://www.instagram.com/p/BgOcD3cFlDs/] Following the UK gigs, they will head off to Europe before taking on the US in July.Tickets for the UK dates go on sale on 23 March. news.sky.comTributes to the 'master of tickling sticks'http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73171-tributes-to-the-master-of-tickling-sticks.html
Celebrities and fans have paid tribute to one of the country's best-loved comedians, Sir Ken Dodd, who has died at the age of 90.CultureMon, 12 Mar 2018 12:58:00 +0200By Sunita Patel-Carstairs, News Reporter Celebrities and fans have paid tribute to one of the country's best-loved comedians, Sir Ken Dodd, who has died at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully at his home in Liverpool just 48 hours after he married his partner of 40 years, Anne Jones. Paul on Ken Dodd... pic.twitter.com/ytd8SyRtip— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) March 12, 2018 The veteran entertainer was hailed as a "legend and an inspiration" and "one of the all-time greats", with tributes from stars including Sir Paul McCartney, David Walliams, Carol Vorderman and Dawn French.:: Vote: Which Ken Dodd one-liner is funniest? Comedy flowed through him like water. RIP Sir Ken Dodd. pic.twitter.com/v0FjVJVe1n— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) March 12, 2018 What a wonderful day for sticking a cucumber through your neighbour’s letter box and shouting ‘the aliens have landed!’ Tatty bye Doddy. And thanks . #doddy— Dawn French (@Dawn_French) March 12, 2018 Shedding a few this morning... Tears ... Sir Ken Dodd... master of tickling sticks, Diddy Men and tattifilarious comedy. Saying goodbye to my childhood... ?https://t.co/twIs2RzGPN— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) March 12, 2018 Ken Dodd.I loved him from when I was a kid. I won 1st prize in Prestatyn Carnival 1965 dressed as a Diddy Man #Proud, outfit made from an old bike tyre and a sheet. Doddy always made me cry laughing (he came on my This is Your Life show #IFeltHonoured). RIP Doddy ..you were loved https://t.co/7THZ54i2RQ— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) March 12, 2018 The Great British Bake Off host Sandi Toksvig recalled a time when she dined out with the comedian and "laughed and laughed and tried not to drown in my soup". #RIPKenDodd Best dinner companion I ever sat next to. Don't think I said a word. Just laughed and laughed and tried not to drown in my soup. Thank you for the genius x— Sandi Toksvig (@sanditoksvig) March 12, 2018 Fans also paid tribute, hailing his live performances as the "funniest 5 hours of my life". Ken Dodd what a legend went to see his show once funniest 5 hours of my life hilarious RIP KEN— Scott Harrington (@Harringtons_Co) March 12, 2018 One called for fans to help get Sir Ken's single "Happiness" to the top of the charts. #KenDodd #Happiness let's get this song to number 1— Antonia (@Antonia94731099) March 12, 2018 Those who worked with him also looked back with fondness.Sound engineer Simon Burchett recalled working with Sir Ken in the 1980s.He wrote: "One night he said 'I'll follow you home and I'll shout jokes through your letterbox'." Privileged to have worked with the great Ken Dodd during the 80's we did two shows a night 7.30 till 1am... One night he said I'll follow you home and I'll shout jokes through your letterbox” – when he was still going strong as it approached midnight. #kendodd #Legend #comedy pic.twitter.com/ka8eHqOA8O— Simon Burchett (@SimonBurchett) March 12, 2018 Theatres and venues who hosted Sir Ken also paid tribute, saying "it was a pleasure to welcome him to our stage". It is with great sadness that we heard the news of Sir Ken Dodd passing away. He had a long association with Nottingham & with our venue, having made his professional debut here in 1954. He continued to be a popular hit with our audiences throughout his incredible career. pic.twitter.com/tYHtRTCQLG— TRCH (@RoyalNottingham) March 12, 2018 Sad to hear of the passing of #KenDodd. It was a pleasure to welcome him to our stage in 2006. A true gentlemen. #OneOfTheGreats— The Lowry (@The_Lowry) March 12, 2018 Remembering Ken Dodd performing at @crucibletheatre. We had to order taxis home for all the staff; his set finished after midnight (and nobody wanted a second less). May we all fill 90 years so well— Samuel West (@exitthelemming) March 12, 2018 And Guinness World Records reacted to the comedian's death, posting an entry from its 1974 book showcasing a "marathon session of joke cracking" from Sir Ken at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool. Farewell to legendary entertainer Ken Dodd (UK) who appeared in our 1974 book for his marathon session of joke cracking ? pic.twitter.com/qRgkm7840P— GuinnessWorldRecords (@GWR) March 12, 2018Country star collapses on stage in Irelandhttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73172-country-star-collapses-on-stage-in-ireland.html
Country music star Tim McGraw has collapsed on stage during a show at the Country to Country festival in Ireland.CultureMon, 12 Mar 2018 10:41:00 +0200Country music star Tim McGraw has collapsed on stage during a show at the Country to Country festival in Ireland. The 50-year-old reportedly stopped the show halfway through, sat down next to the drums to catch his breath and then fell to his knees as he was leaving the stage. It was McGraw's wife and singing partner, country star Faith Hill, who came on stage later and explained to the crowd what was happening. Image: McGraw and Faith Hill are husband and wife - and singing partners "He's been super dehydrated, travelling so much. I apologise," she said."But I made the decision that he cannot come back out on stage." McGraw's performance was part of the Country to Country (C2C) music festival, which covers three cities in three days - London, Glasgow and Dublin. [media=https://www.instagram.com/p/BgM4ZhOFwwD/] "Tim McGraw was suffering from dehydration in Dublin this evening at the C2C show," said his representative. More from Entertainment Bullseye star Jim Bowen dies aged 80 The Crown's Claire Foy was paid less than co-star Matt Smith Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid end two-year relationship Rooney Mara: 'I grew up thinking Mary Magdalene was a prostitute' Selma Blair says Cameron Diaz 'retiring' comments were meant as a joke Beyonce and Jay-Z announce On The Run joint tour "He was attended to by local medical staff on-site and will be fine. He and Faith thank everyone for their love and support and look forward to seeing their Irish fans again soon."The fall took place just as the singer had finished his last hit Humble & Kind.Vote: Which Ken Dodd one-liner is funniest?http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73147-vote-which-ken-dodd-one-liner-is-funniest.html
Whether it was jokes about the mother-in-law or men in general, Sir Ken had a gag for everyone. Vote for your favourite here.CultureMon, 12 Mar 2018 10:09:00 +0200Whether it was jokes about the mother-in-law or men in general, Sir Ken had a gag for everyone. Vote for your favourite here. Following the comedian's death at the age of 90, many of his fans are now remembering some of their favourite Dodd gags. Here are just some of the comedy legend's best-known jokes. Use the arrows below to select your favourite.Comedy legend Sir Ken Dodd dies aged 90http://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73111-comedy-legend-sir-ken-dodd-dies-aged-90.html
Sir Ken Dodd - master of tickling sticks, Diddy Men and tattifilarious comedy - has died, his publicist has said.CultureMon, 12 Mar 2018 03:20:00 +0200By Alison Chung, News Reporter Sir Ken Dodd - master of tickling sticks, Diddy Men and tattifilarious comedy - has died, his publicist has said. The comedian passed away just days after leaving hospital and marrying his partner of 40 years, Anne Jones. He was 90.His publicist Robert Holmes described him as "one of the last music hall greats"."With Ken gone, the lights have been turned out in the world of variety. He was a comedy legend and genius," he said.:: Vote: Which Ken Dodd one-liner is funniest? Image: Sir Ken with Anne Jones when he was knighted at Buckingham Palace in 2017 Mr Holmes added: "He asked Anne if she wanted to marry. They got the registrar and were married in the house on Friday."He died two days later on Mother's Day. Anne is obviously very upset. They had been together for 40 years. It's a love story to beat them all."Sir Ken passed away in the same house in Liverpool that he grew up in.He continued to perform right through to his later years, bringing the energy and stamina of a man half his age to his manic routines.:: Tributes to the 'master of tickling sticks' Video: Sir Ken Dodd: &#x27;Life is tattyfilarious!&#x27; Even when he was taken to hospital for a "minor operation" on New Year's Eve in 2007, it came just hours after completing a four-hour sell-out gig at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.But behind the hair, teeth and offbeat humour dwelt a mass of contradictions and insecurities.His carefully guarded private life received an unwelcome airing in 1989 when he endured a five-week trial accused of tax fraud.The trial transformed Liverpool Crown Court into a sell-out theatre, with fellow comics Eric Sykes and Roy Hudd called as character witnesses. Image: Sir Ken in November 2016 Having clocked up 35 years in showbusiness, Dodd told the court: "Since I am stripped naked in this court, I might as well tell you the lot." He said: "I am not mean, but I am nervous of money, nervous of having it, nervous of not having it," and described money as a yardstick of success - "important only because I have nothing else".His counsel described him as a fantasist stamped with lifelong eccentricities - such as keeping love letters in a safety deposit box and hoarding ˆ336,000 in the attic - due to a close-knit family upbringing.The entertainer was acquitted following a brilliant defence by George Carman QC. He would later joke publicly about the case. Image: Sir Ken started as a stand-up comic in working men&#x27;s clubs Sir Ken left school at 14 and worked with his brother Bill, heaving Arley cobbles and Houlton kitchen nuts for six years as part of his father's business.But in his spare time, the former choirboy was singing and developing a stand-up comic routine at working men's clubs. He would describe himself as "Professor Yaffle Chuckabutty. Operatic Tenor and Sausage Knotter".The Theatre Royal, Nottingham, saw his debut in 1954 as Professor Chuckabutty, and within two years he was topping the bill at Blackpool, with bits such as the famous Diddy Men, the Broken Biscuit Repair Works, the Jam Butty Mines, the Moggy Ranch and the Treacle Wells.This was followed by numerous BBC series, including The Ken Dodd Show and Ken Dodd's Laughter Show, and he entered the big time in 1965 with the longest-ever run at the London Palladium (42 weeks).During the 1960s, he entered the Guinness Book of Records for the longest joke-telling session ever - 1,500 jokes in three-and-a-half hours.He was awarded an OBE in 1982 and was dubbed a knight by the Duke of Cambridge in 2017 - the year of his 90th birthday. RIP Sir Ken Dodd. A legend and an inspiration. I have a lot to thank You for. I Was thrilled you had the best birthday party in Liverpool before you left us. Your city, friends,Family and Show business will miss you terribly. pic.twitter.com/iDeEC4yukJ— Claire Sweeney (@clairesweeney) March 12, 2018 He spent more than six weeks in the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital earlier this year, following a chest infection, leaving at the end of February.Fellow Liverpudlian Claire Sweeney described Dodd as a "legend and an inspiration". More from Entertainment Danny Boyle confirms he is working on script for Bond 25. Bullseye star Jim Bowen dies aged 80 Jim Bowen and I 'just blended' - Bullseye commentator Tony Green Liam O'Flynn: Master piper who formed folk band Planxty dies after long illness The Crown's Claire Foy was paid less than co-star Matt Smith Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid end two-year relationship Actor John Challis, who played Boycie in comedy television series Only Fools And Horses, tweeted: "So sorry to hear we have lost Ken Dodd. I met him once and I've never forgotten it. Gawd bless 'im."Comedian Dara O Briain tweeted: "So happy I got to meet him once, and more importantly, saw him do one of his incredible 5 hour shows. He was an education to watch and, afterwards, at 1.30 am, he had beers with me in the dressing room and talked showbiz. A privilege, and a loss. RIP."Corden slams 'snobby' Peter Rabbit film criticshttp://vectornews.eu/news/culture/73077-corden-slams-snobby-peter-rabbit-film-critics.html
James Corden has hit out at "snobby" critics who claim Beatrix Potter would not have liked the newly released live action Peter Rabbit film.CultureSun, 11 Mar 2018 16:54:00 +0200James Corden has hit out at "snobby" critics who claim Beatrix Potter would not have liked the newly released live action Peter Rabbit film. The actor and talk show host has lent his voice to the famous animal in its first big screen depiction. Asked about the mixed reaction to the adaptation, Corden said: "I sort of felt some reticence about doing it when I got offered it simply because of what it means to so many people in this country and across the world."But then when the Beatrix Potter estate (gave permission), who have turned down I think maybe over 20 proposals, even Walt Disney at one point wanted to make a Peter Rabbit film and they felt it didn't capture the essence of the character and this script did."The film marks the first time the Potter estate has given permission to adapt the story for the big screen and some have said the author, who died in 1943, would not have been impressed by the result. Image: James Corden pictured at the premiere of Peter Rabbit Critic Matthew Dennison, who wrote a Beatrix Potter biography in 2016, told The Guardian: "Peter Rabbit emerges as a bully, and there really isn't any evidence for that in the story."Speaking at the London premiere of Peter Rabbit, Corden said the live action film was a faithful adaptation of Potter's work."What I love most about what Will (Gluck, the writer and director) has done and I think the Beatrix Potter estate responded to is there is so many small vignettes across the film that he has taken from all of those books," he said."At its core, at its actual core, what the film is about, aside from all the big comic set pieces and the brilliant soundtrack and the animation is wonderful, what the film is actually about is acceptance. "It's about going 'people will look different to you and sound different to you and be different to you and actually if you accept your differences you will find lots of similarities'. Image: Daisy Ridley, left, James Corden, and Elizabeth Debicki at the film&#x27;s premiere "What people do is go 'I'm going to put up a wall and this is mine and that is yours and you don't come in here' and actually what you should do is open your arms and go 'well I don't look like you or understand you but perhaps we can find some common ground'."That is what the film is actually about, so anyone who is being what I would consider snobby about such an experience, I can't find anything that can be anything other than positive in such a message for young children."Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley, who voices Cottontail, also said she believed Potter would have been pleased with the film.She said: "I think Beatrix Potter would first be gobsmacked that it had become the success it has and the fact that they (the estate) believed in this script says a lot, because obviously her family knew her. More from Entertainment The Crown's Claire Foy was paid less than co-star Matt Smith Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid end two-year relationship Rooney Mara: 'I grew up thinking Mary Magdalene was a prostitute' Selma Blair says Cameron Diaz 'retiring' comments were meant as a joke Beyonce and Jay-Z announce On The Run joint tour The Sopranos: Family, fear and toxic men "I think she would be thrilled, I think it shows all of the character that we know and love in a different sort of setting and there are bits that the original books are animated within and it's beautiful."Peter Rabbit hits UK cinemas on Friday.